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Over the years, the Premier League has been home to some world-class young talent. While few stand-out names exist across Europe, the Premier League arguably has a higher density of young talent in its ranks.
We are more than halfway into the ongoing Premier League season, and many youngsters have caught the eye of football fans all over the world. While certain big names have struggled to make an impression, young guns have stepped up.
Premier League academies nurture future stars
Clubs have invested a significant part of their revenue into their academy to train the future of football. The youth academy system in English football is responsible for the growth and development of players that are on their way to becoming legends in the future.
On that note, here we take a look at five of the best under-21 players in the Premier League as of now.
#5 Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli was playing in the regional league in Brazil before joining Arsenal in 2019. The young Brazilian has shown maturity beyond his age and Mikel Arteta seems to have unearthed the youngster’s true potential. Agile and lightning-quick, Martinelli has lit up the Premier League.
Martinelli was flying high at the start of his Arsenal career. He became the first teenager to score in his first four starts for the Gunners since Ian Wright. Injuries have been a cause of concern for the youngster in the past, but no such mishaps have occurred this season.
Martinelli has scored four goals and provided two assists in the Premier League this term. The Brazilian was especially impressive against Leeds where he scored two sublime goals. The 20-year-old also helped Brazil win the gold medal at the Olympics in 2021. Martinelli has showcased vigor and doggedness that Arsenal fans have dearly missed in their team.
#4 Conor Gallagher
Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher secured a move to Crystal Palace on loan at the start of the season. Gallagher has exceeded all expectations and the deal has turned out to be one of the best this season. At just 21, Gallagher has displayed tremendous potential to become an elite Premier League player.
The Englishman has six goals and three assists from midfield in the Premier League this season. His performances for Palace have grabbed the headlines and Chelsea fans will want him back at Stamford Bridge as soon as possible. Gallagher's fabulous form in the Premier League also got him an England squad call-up in November 2021.
The 21-year-old has been a blessing for Palace, and he has been heavily involved in the goals at the club. He ranks first in terms of both goals and assists for Palace this season. Patrick Vieira, who was one of the best in midfield, has also been impressed by Gallagher’s performances. The Palace manager will hope the Englishman can help secure a top-half finish for the club.
#3 Emile Smith Rowe
Another Arsenal youngster on this list, Emile Smith Rowe has burst onto the Premier League scene with the Gunners. The homegrown talent has played a huge part in Arsenal’s recent impressive form. Arsenal are looking much more reliable this season and have a realistic chance of securing a top-four finish.
Smith Rowe is Arsenal’s leading goalscorer in the Premier League this season, which is applaudable given that he plays in midfield. With disciplinary action taken against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Smith Rowe has provided the Gunners with an attacking outlet. He has also linked well with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Alexandre Lacazette and Bukayo Saka.
Smith Rowe has scored eight goals and provided two assists in the Premier League this season. The "Croydon De Bruyne" has been especially effective coming off the bench. He has scored three goals in his last four appearances as a substitute.
#2 Bukayo Saka
From winning the FA Cup to representing England in the Euro 2020 finals, Bukayo Saka has developed magnificently over the past couple of years. The 20-year-old is amongst the best and brightest in the Premier League this season. Saka has been crucial in Arsenal’s revitalisation that has led to them being fourth in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old’s decision-making combined with raw talent has got England and Arsenal fans excited for the future. Saka has scored six goals and provided four assists in the Premier League this season. Adored by the fans, there have been occasions where he has single-handedly led Arsenal’s attack.
Another product of Arsenal's Hale End academy, Saka’s versatility and commitment earned him a spot in England’s national side. Although he started as a wing-back, Saka has found his true calling in a more attacking role. Fans will hope that the young talent at Arsenal’s disposal will help their team reach new heights.
#1 Phil Foden
Phil Foden is easily the brightest young talent in the Premier League. With his mesmeric dribbling and ball control, the "Stockport Iniesta" has made the world sit up and take notice. In Foden, Premier League leaders Manchester City have a real gem for the future.
At just 21, the Englishman has shown tremendous maturity and adapted to Pep Guardiola’s demanding playing style in the Premier League exceptionally well. There are few young players in the world that possess the talent and dexterity as Foden does. Foden has five goals and three assists in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City fans see a future David Silva in Foden and will hope he continues to grow and develop into a superstar. The midfielder is part of the exciting young crop of English talent that has emerged over the past few years. He will undoubtedly play a crucial part in England’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
